Questions – 03.04.2018

Small Groups at Lakeland exist to make disciples who make disciples in relational environments as we live out the four habits – accountability, shepherding, developing others, and on mission.

ICEBREAKER (optional): What was the first job that you ever had?

DISCUSSION STARTER (optional): Let’s start by asking if anyone has a specific takeaway from this weekend’s message that they’d like to share.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

Have you ever experienced a different culture on a mission trip or otherwise? What was something that you learned to appreciate about this culture? (This could be a different culture inside or outside the United States.)

DEVELOPING OTHERS: Christianity (and how it is practiced) looks very different depending on where you live in the world – the church is growing in some parts of Africa, it is irrelevant in Australia and Europe, and it is persecuted in the Middle East and parts of Asia. What are the benefits of living in any area where you are free to worship? What are the benefits of living in an area where persecution exists?

ACCOUNTABILITY: This weekend we heard about the story of Paul and Barnabas as they returned to dangerous places to make disciples of Jesus. During this time, Peter was also doing ministry in the face of opposition. Tonight let’s see what he writes about persecution. Turn in your Bibles to 1 Peter 4:12-19. After reading, ask ‘Based on this passage, what should a Christian expect to experience?’ (Answer: fiery ordeals, insults, suffering, etc.) Have you ever experienced these things?

SHEPHERDING: Verse 16 describes us as Name-Bearers. What does this mean (in your own words)? Why is it important for us to understand our identity in this way? How does this idea change and challenge your perspective on what it means to be a follower of Jesus?

DEVELOPING OTHERS/SHEPHERDING: We were called this weekend to press into places that are messy, difficult, and uncomfortable. What came to mind when you thought about that? How can we as a group come alongside you as you take steps forward? (Don’t let your group slip into “fixing” here! However, this could easily inform your group prayer time.)